Fashion giant makes a revolutionary move: a branch with robots and self-service checkouts

The fashion chain Lefties, the sister chain of Zara owned by the Inditex group, has entered the British market for the first time and opened its first physical store in Liverpool. The branch, which opened in the Liverpool One shopping center, spans about 27,000 square feet and combines, alongside fashion and home products, automated systems designed to streamline store operations.

One of the most prominent innovations in the branch is the self-service checkout system, based on RFID technology, which allows for scanning an entire basket at once, without the need to pass each item separately. In addition, robots sort the hangers removed from the clothes after purchase and move them into boxes according to their size.

The fitting rooms also include an automated system. Items that customers do not want can be discarded through a designated opening, from where they are sorted behind the scenes. The store also operates a system that assists in separating new merchandise and moving it to the various sales areas.

According to Lefties CEO Javier Ros Riera, at this stage there is no defined number of stores that the chain plans to open in the UK. The company will examine customer demands and operational results and proceed accordingly.

The store in Liverpool is the first of three stores planned to open in the UK during the year. Two more are expected to open in the Lakeside shopping center in Essex and at the Metrocentre in the Newcastle area. Additional stores are planned for next year.

Lefties currently operates in 20 markets around the world and runs 225 stores. Alongside clothing for women, men, teenagers, and children, the chain also offers home products, accessories, and footwear.

The brand was launched by Inditex in 1999 and was initially intended to sell items remaining in Zara's stock. Later, the business model changed, and the chain began operating as an independent fashion brand offering its own collections.

In the UK, Lefties competes in a market where low-price fashion chains operate, including Primark, alongside online players like Shein. According to an analysis by Retail Week, the average price for a dress at Lefties is about 18 pounds, compared to about 16 pounds at Primark and about 18.5 pounds at Shein.

The new branch also offers thermal clothing, for the first time in the chain, as part of the adaptation to the British market. Among other things, bras are offered at a price of 7.99 pounds.

According to Riera, the choice of Liverpool for the first store was due, among other things, to the young population in the city and its international character. More than 100 customers waited in line for the store's opening, including people who arrived from outside the city.